Gaming machine and control method of game

ABSTRACT

The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a controller programmed to conduct the processing of; (A) determining, when game media in number corresponding to a natural-number multiple of a predetermined minimum BET unit are BET on a plurality of BET objects of which game results are determined independently of each other, a value of BETTING on each of said BET objects based on the amount of game media BET and the number of said BET objects, and said game results of said respective BET objects, determining an amount of a payout for each of the BET objects on the basis of said value of BETTING and said game result thereof, and determining an amount of an expected payout for a single unit game by summing up the amounts of the payouts; (B) determining a fractional value obtained by division of the amount of the expected payout for the single unit game determined in said processing (A) by said minimum BET unit; (C) paying out, to a player, game media in amount determined by subtraction of the fractional value determined in said processing (B) from the amount of the expected payout for the single unit game determined in said processing (A), as a payout for the single unit game; (D) counting the number of said unit games which have been executed; and (E) paying out a predetermined amount of game media, when the number of unit games counted in said processing (D) reaches a specific number.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/907,671 filed on Apr. 13, 2007. The contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine and a game control method.

2. Discussion of the Background

Conventionally, in a facility where a slot machine or the like is installed, a variety of game media such as coins or cash are inserted into the slot machine to play a game, as disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459, U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,697, US 2003/0069073-A1, EP 1192975-A, U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,483, U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,730, U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,088, U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,981, U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,896, U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,016, U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,820, U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,482, U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,731, U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,957, U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,048, U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,402, U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,013, U.S. Pat. No. 4,283,709, EP 0631798-A, DE 4137010-A1, GB 2326830-A, DE 3712841-A1, U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,638, U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,980, U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,909, U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,303, U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,409, U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,533, U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,817, U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,704, U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,707, U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,728, EP 1302914-A, U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,459, U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,700, WO 03/083795-A, DE 3242890-A1, EP 0840264-A, DE 10049444-A1, WO 04/095383-A, EP 1544811-A, U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,963, EP 1477947-A, and EP 1351180-A. Further, the respective gaming machines are configured to conduct a payout, depending on the winning state (result of games) generated along with the progression of a game. Among these conventional gaming machines, there are gaming machines which conduct a return to a player, when the player loses a certain amount of game media, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,048.

Further, in recent years, there have been slot machines which collect game media as insurance fees to take out insurance on a game, and return a specific number of game media when the number of games played in the state where the insurance is effective reaches a specific number.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine and a game control method which have the function of conducting a return, thereby offering new entertainments.

The contents of U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459, U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,697, US 2003/0069073-A1, EP 1192975-A, U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,483, U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,730, U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,088, U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,981, U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,896, U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,016, U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,820, U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,482, U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,731, U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,957, U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,048, U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,402, U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,013, U.S. Pat. No. 4,283,709, EP 0631798-A, DE 4137010-A1, GB 2326830-A, DE 3712841-A1, U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,638, U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,980, U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,909, U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,303, U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,409, U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,533, U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,817, U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,704, U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,707, U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,728, EP 1302914-A, U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,459, U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,700, WO 03/083795-A, DE 3242890-A1, EP 0840264-A, DE 10049444-A1, WO 04/095383-A, EP 1544811-A, U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,963, EP 1477947-A, and EP 1351180-A are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first invention, there is provided a gaming machine having the following configuration.

Namely, the aforementioned gaming machine includes a controller programmed to conduct the processing of; (A) determining, when game media in number corresponding to a natural-number multiple of a predetermined minimum BET unit are BET on a plurality of BET objects of which game results are determined independently of each other, a value of BETTING on each of the BET objects based on the amount of game media BET and the number of the BET objects, and the game results of the respective BET objects, determining an amount of a payout for each of the BET objects on the basis of the value of BETTING and the game result thereof, and determining an amount of an expected payout for a single unit game by summing up the amounts of the payouts; (B) determining a fractional value obtained by division of the amount of the expected payout for the single unit game determined in the processing (A) by the minimum BET unit; (C) paying out, to a player, game media in amount determined by subtraction of the fractional value determined in the processing (B) from the amount of the expected payout for the single unit game determined in the processing (A), as an award for the single unit game; (D) counting the number of the unit games which have been executed; and (E) paying out a predetermined amount of game media, when the number of unit games counted in the processing (D) reaches a specific number.

Preferably, the aforementioned gaming machine further includes the following configuration.

Namely, the aforementioned controller is further programmed to conduct the processing of; (F) accumulatively adding the fractional value determined in the processing (B); and (G) shifting a mode to an insurance mode from a non-insurance mode, on condition that the fractional value determined by the accumulative addition in the processing (F) reaches a predetermined amount. Further, the aforementioned processing (E) is processing for paying out game media in amount corresponding to the predetermined amount, out of the fractional value determined by the accumulative addition in the processing (F), when the number of unit games counted in the processing (D) reaches the specific number and a current game is played in the insurance mode.

Preferably, the aforementioned gaming machine further includes the following configuration.

Namely, the aforementioned processing (D) is processing for counting the number of unit games in which game media in number corresponding to a maximum number of BETs are BET.

Preferably, the aforementioned gaming machine further includes the following configuration.

Namely, the aforementioned processing (D) is processing for counting the number of unit games which results in fractional values greater than 0, the fractional values having been determined in the processing (B).

Preferably, the aforementioned gaming machine further includes the following configuration.

Namely, the aforementioned gaming machine further includes a payout device capable of physically paying out game media. Further, the aforementioned processing (E) is processing for paying out the predetermined amount of game media from the payout device, when the number of unit games counted in the processing (D) reaches the specific number.

According to a second invention, there is provided a gaming machine having the following configuration.

Namely, the aforementioned gaming machine includes a controller programmed to conduct the processing of; (A) determining, when game media in number corresponding to a natural-number multiple of a predetermined minimum BET unit are BET on a plurality of BET objects of which game results are determined independently of each other, a value of BETTING on each of the BET objects based on the amount of game media BET and the number of the BET objects, and the game results of the respective BET objects, determining an amount of a payout for each of the BET objects on the basis of the value of BETTING and the game result thereof, and determining an amount of an expected payout for a single unit game by summing up the amounts of the payouts; (B) determining a fractional value obtained by division of the amount of the expected payout for the single unit game determined in the processing (A) by the minimum BET unit; (C) paying out, to a player, game media in amount determined by subtraction of the fractional value determined in the processing (B) from the amount of the expected payout for the single unit game determined in the processing (A), as an award for the single unit game; (D) counting the number of game media BET in the unit game; and (E) paying out a predetermined amount of game media, when the number of game media counted in the processing (D) reaches a specific amount.

Preferably, the aforementioned gaming machine further includes the following configuration.

Namely, the aforementioned controller is further programmed to conduct the processing of; (F) accumulatively adding the fractional value determined in the processing (B); and (G) shifting a mode to an insurance mode from a non-insurance mode, on condition that the fractional value determined by the accumulative addition in the processing (F) reaches a predetermined amount. Further, the aforementioned process (E) is processing for paying out game media in amount corresponding to the predetermined amount, out of the fractional value determined by the accumulative addition in the processing (F), when the number of game media counted in the processing (D) reaches a specific number and a current game is played in the insurance mode.

Preferably, the aforementioned gaming machine further includes the following configuration.

Namely, the aforementioned gaming machine further includes a payout device capable of physically paying out game media. Further, the aforementioned processing (E) is processing for paying out the predetermined amount of game media from the payout device, when the number of game media counted in the processing (D) reaches the specific number.

Preferably, the aforementioned gaming machine further includes the following structure.

Namely, the aforementioned controller is further programmed to conduct the processing for shifting the mode to the insurance mode from the non-insurance mode, on condition that game media are inserted.

Preferably, the aforementioned gaming machine further includes the following configuration.

Namely, the aforementioned gaming machine further includes a symbol display device capable of rearranging a plurality of symbols. Further, the aforementioned controller is further programmed to conduct the processing for executing the unit games in which the plurality of symbols are rearranged by the symbol display device after game media in number equal to or less than the predetermined maximum number of BETs are BET and then, game media in number corresponding to rearranged symbols or a combinations thereof are paid out.

According to the first invention, there is further provided a game control method including the following steps.

Namely, the aforementioned game control method includes the step of (A) determining, when game media in number corresponding to a natural-number multiple of a predetermined minimum BET unit are BET on a plurality of BET objects of which game results are determined independently of each other, a value of BETTING on each of the BET objects based on the amount of game media BET and the number of the BET objects, and the game results of the respective BET objects, determining an amount of a payout for each of the BET objects on the basis of the value of BETTING and the game result thereof, and determining an amount of an expected payout for a single unit game by summing up the amounts of the payouts. Further, the aforementioned game control method includes the step of (B) determining a fractional value obtained by division of the amount of the expected payout for the single unit game determined in the step (A) by the minimum BET unit. Furthermore, the aforementioned game control method includes the step of (C) paying out, to a player, game media in amount determined by subtraction of the fractional value determined in the step (B) from the amount of the expected payout for the single unit game determined in the step (A), as an award for the single unit game. Moreover, the aforementioned game control method includes the step of (D) counting the number of the unit games which have been executed. Furthermore, the aforementioned game control method includes the step of (E) paying out a predetermined amount of game media, when the number of unit games counted in the step (D) reaches a specific number.

According to the third invention, there is further provided a gaming machine having the following configuration.

Namely, the aforementioned gaming machine includes a controller programmed to conduct the processing of; (A) determining when game media are BET on a plurality of BET objects of which game results are determined independently of each other, a value of BETTING each of the BET objects; (B) determining a total value of BETTING on a single unit game by summing up the values of BETTING on the respective BET objects; (C) determining a part of the total value of BETTING determined in the processing (B) as a BET fractional value, the part being equal to or less than a predetermined digit place of the total value of BETTING; (D) accumulatively adding the BET fractional value determined in the processing (C); (E) counting the number of the unit games which have been executed; and (F) paying out game media in amount corresponding to a predetermined amount, out of the BET fractional value determined by the accumulative addition in the processing (D), when the number of unit games counted in the processing (E) reaches a specific number.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the slot machine in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a payout table according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a view showing exemplary symbols displayed through display windows.

FIG. 5 is a view showing exemplary images displayed to the slot machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is another view showing exemplary images displayed to the slot machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is another view showing exemplary images displayed to the slot machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is another view showing exemplary images displayed to the slot machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is another view showing exemplary images displayed to the slot machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is another view showing exemplary images displayed to the slot machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is another view showing exemplary images displayed to the slot machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is another view showing exemplary images displayed to the slot machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is another view showing exemplary images displayed to the slot machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is another view showing exemplary images displayed to the slot machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is another view showing exemplary images displayed to the slot machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing main processing executed in the slot machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of insurance setting processing.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are flowcharts showing a subroutine of game execution processing A (non-insurance mode).

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of game execution processing B (insurance mode/before reaching of notice set value).

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of game execution processing C (insurance mode/after reaching of notice set value).

FIGS. 21A and 21B are flowcharts showing a subroutine of game execution processing D (insurance mode/at reaching of a specific number).

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of processing relating to paying out and adding fractional values.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a procedure of activation processing conducted by the mother board and the gaming board shown in FIG. 2 FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of to-be-stopped symbol determination processing.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of reel rotation control processing.

FIGS. 26A to 26D are side views for explaining the reel rotating operation.

FIG. 27 is a schematic view showing a correspondence table of the number of steps and code No.

FIG. 28 is a schematic view showing an entire configuration of a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view schematically showing a slot machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30A and 30B are flowcharts showing a subroutine of game execution processing A (non-insurance mode) according to another embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the present invention will be described, with reference to the drawings.

In the present embodiment, slot machine games are executed. In a case where a BET is placed on a plurality of pay lines, a value of BETTING on each pay line is determined, on the basis of an amount of game media (credits) BET and the number of pay lines on which the BET is placed. Then, designs (hereinafter, also referred to as symbols) are rearranged, game results are determined, amounts of payouts for the respective pay lines are determined, on the basis of the payout rates (amount of payout per unit amount of game media) defined for the respective pay lines and the values of BETTING on the respective pay lines, and subsequently, the amounts of the payouts are summed up to determine an amount of an expected payout. Further, the amount of the expected payout is divided by a minimum amount of game media which can be BET (one credit, in the present embodiment) to determine a fractional value (an amount of game media less than the minimum amount of game media which can be BET). Then, game media in amount determined by subtraction of the amount of the expected payout by the fractional value are paid out. Further, such fractional value is accumulatively added and, when the accumulated value reaches a predetermined value (360 credits, in the present embodiment), a mode is shifted to an insurance mode from a non-insurance mode. Further, the number of games played with a MAXBET and resulting in the fractional value greater than 0 is counted, out of the games which have been executed. When the number of counted games reaches a specific number (1000, in the present embodiment) in the insurance mode, game media in amount corresponding to a predetermined amount (360 credits, in the present embodiment) are paid out, out of the accumulatively-added fractional values. Further, the MAXBET refers to a BET placed by the greatest number of game media which can be BET in a single game (3 coins, in the present embodiment). Further, in the present embodiment, even when the accumulatively-added fractional value has not reached the predetermined value, it is possible to shift the mode to the insurance mode, by inserting game media of a predetermined value (one credit, in the present embodiment).

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. In a slot machine 10, a coin, a bill, or electronic valuable information corresponding to those is used as a game medium. However, in the present invention, the game medium is not particularly limited. Examples of the game medium may include a medal, a token, electronic money and a ticket. It is to be noted that the ticket is not particularly limited, and examples thereof may include a ticket with a barcode as described later.

The slot machine 10 comprises a cabinet 11, a top box 12 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 11, and a main door 13 provided at the front face of the cabinet 11. Inside the cabinet 11, three reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) as a symbol display device are rotatably provided. On the peripheral face of each of the reels 14, a symbol sequence consisting of 22 figures (hereinafter also referred to as symbols) is drawn.

A lower image display panel 16 is provided at the front of the respective reels 14 on the main door 13. The lower image display panel 16 is provided with a transparent liquid crystal panel to which a variety of information concerning a game, an effect image and the like are displayed during the game.

On the lower image display panel 16, three display windows 15 (15L, 15C, 15R) are formed in which their back faces are visible, and three symbols drawn on the peripheral face of each of the reels 14 are respectively displayed via each of the display windows 15. In the lower image display panel 16, there are formed a total of five pay lines L composed of three pay lines L horizontally across the three display windows 15 and two pay lines L obliquely across the display windows 15. Each of the pay lines L defines a combination of symbols. When the combination of symbols rearranged along the pay lines L is a predetermined combination, an amount of a payout for each of the pay line L is determined, on the basis of the combination and the values of BETTING on each of the respective pay line L. Then, on the basis of the values of BETTING on each of the pay lines L, an amount of an expected payout and a fractional value are determined. This determination method will be described later, in more detail, with reference to FIG. 4.

Moreover, although not shown, a touch panel 69 is provided at the front face of the lower image display panel 16. The player can operate the touch panel 69 to input a variety of commands.

Below the lower image display panel 16, there are provided a control panel 20 comprised of a plurality of buttons 23 to 27 with each of which a command according to game progress is inputted by the player, a coin receiving slot 21 through which a coin is accepted into the cabinet 11, and a bill validator 22.

The control panel 20 is provided with a spin button 23, a change button 24, a CASHOUT button 25, a 1-BET button 26 and a maximum BET button 27. The spin button 23 is used for inputting a command to start rotation of the reels 14. The change button 24 is used for making a request of staff in the recreation facility for exchange. The CASHOUT button 25 is used for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to a coin tray 18.

The 1-BET button 26 is used for inputting a command to bet one coin on a game out of credited coins. The maximum BET button 27 is used for inputting a command to bet the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game (three coins in the present embodiment) out of credited coins. In addition, the maximum number of BETs may be configured so as to be set by the operator, staff or the like of the casino.

The bill validator 22 not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 11. It is to be noted that the bill validator 22 may be configured so as to be capable of reading a later-described ticket 39 with a barcode. At the lower front of the main door 13, namely below the control panel 20, there is provided a belly glass 34 on which a character or the like of the slot machine 10 is drawn.

An upper image display panel 33 is provided at the front face of the top box 12. The upper image display panel 33 is provided with a liquid crystal panel to display, for example, an effect image, an image representing introduction of contents of a game, and explanation of a rule of the game. The upper image display panel 33 corresponds to an image display device according to the present invention.

Also, a speaker 29 is provided on the top box 12. Under the upper image display panel 33, there are provided a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37, and a key pad 38. The ticket printer 35 prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits, a date, an identification number of the slot machine 10, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 39 with a barcode. The player can make another slot machine read the ticket 39 with a barcode to play a game thereon, or exchange the ticket 39 with a barcode with a bill or the like at a predetermined place in the recreation facility (e.g. a cashier in a casino).

The card reader 36 reads data from a smart card and writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card owned by the player, and for example, data for identifying the player and data concerning a history of games played by the player are stored therein. Data corresponding to a coin, a bill or a credit may be stored in the smart card. Further, a magnetic stripe card maybe adopted in place of the smart card. The data display 37 is comprised of a fluorescent display and the like, and displays, for example, data read by the card reader 36 or data inputted by the player via the key pad 38. The key pad 38 is used for inputting a command and data concerning issuing of a ticket, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1.

A gaming board 50 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM 55, and a boot ROM 52 which are interconnected to one another by an internal bus, a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53, and an IC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54.

The memory card 53 is comprised of a nonvolatile memory such as CompactFlash (registered trade mark), and stores a game program and a game system program. The game program includes a to-be-stopped symbol determination program. The to-be-stopped symbol determination program is a program for determining a symbol (code No. corresponding to the symbol) on each of the reels 14 to be rearranged along the winning line L. The to-be-stopped symbol determination program includes symbol weighing data respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of payout ratios (e.g. 80%, 84%, 88%). The symbol weighing data is data showing the corresponding relation between code No. of each symbol (see FIG. 27) and one or a plurality of random numbers belonging to a predetermined numerical range (0 to 255), for each of the three reels 14. The payout ratio is set based on payout ratio setting data which is outputted from a GAL 54, and a symbol to be rearranged is determined based on the symbol weighing data corresponding to the payout ratio.

Further, the card slot 53S is configured so as to allow the memory card 53 to be inserted thereinto or ejected therefrom, and is connected to the mother board 40 by an IDE bus. Therefore, the memory card 53 can be ejected from the card slot 53S, and then another game program and another game system program are written into the memory card 53, and the memory card 53 can be inserted into the card slot 53S, to change the type and contents of a game played on the slot machine 10. Further, the memory card 53 storing one game program and one game system program can be exchanged with the memory card 53 storing another game program and another game system program, to change the type and contents of a game played on the slot machine 10.

The game program includes a program according to progression of the game. Further, the game program includes image data and sound data to be outputted during the game, and image data and sound data for notifying that the mode has been shifted to the insurance mode, and the like.

The GAL 54 is a type of a PLD having an OR fixed type array structure. The GAL 54 is provided with a plurality of input ports and output ports. When predetermined data is inputted into the input port, the GAL 54 outputs, from the output port, data corresponding to the inputted data. The data outputted from the output port is the above-mentioned payout ratio setting data.

Further, the IC socket 54S is configured such that the GAL 54 can be mounted thereonto and removed therefrom, and the IC socket 54S is connected to the mother board 40 through the PCI bus. Therefore, the GAL 54 can be removed from the IC socket 54S, and then a program to be stored into the GAL 54 is rewritten, and the GAL 54 is then mounted onto the IC socket 54S, to change the payout ratio setting data outputted from the GAL 54. Further, the GAL 54 can be exchanged with another GAL 54 to change the payout ratio setting data.

The CPU 51, the ROM 55 and the boot ROM 52 interconnected to one another by an internal bus are connected to the mother board 40 through the PCI bus. The PCI bus not only conducts signal transmission between the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50, but also supplies power from the mother board 40 to the gaming board 50. In the ROM 55, country identification information and an authentication program are stored. In the boot ROM 52, an auxiliary authentication program and a program (boot code) to be used by the CPU 51 for activating the auxiliary authentication program, and the like are stored.

The authentication program is a program (falsification check program) for authenticating a game program and a game system program. The authentication program is written along a procedure (authentication procedure) for checking and proving that a game program and a game system program to be subject to authentication loading processing have not been falsified, namely authenticating the game program and the game system program. The auxiliary authentication program is a program for authenticating the above-mentioned authentication program. The auxiliary authentication program is written along a procedure (authentication procedure) for proving that an authentication program to be subject to the authentication processing has not been falsified, namely authenticating the authentication program.

The mother board 40 is configured using a commercially available general-purpose mother board (a print wiring board on which fundamental components of a personal computer are mounted), and comprises a main CPU 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, and a communication interface 44. The main CPU 41, the ROM 42 and the RAM 43 mounted on the mother board 40 constitute the controller of the present invention.

The ROM 42 is comprised of a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU 41 and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 41, processing for initializing a predetermined peripheral device is conducted, concurrently with start of processing for loading the game program and the game system stored in the memory card 53 via the gaming board 50. It should be noted that, in the present invention, the ROM 42 may or may not be data rewritable one.

The RAM 43 stores data and a program to be used at the time of operation of the main CPU 41. Further, the RAM 43 is capable of storing an authentication program to be read via the gaming board 50, a game program and a game system program.

Further, the RAM 43 is provided with a storage area for an insurance mode flag. The insurance mode flag is a flag for indicating whether the mode is the insurance mode or the non-insurance mode. The storage area for the insurance mode flag is, for example, composed of a storage area of a predetermined number of bits, and the insurance mode flag is turned “ON” or “OFF” according to the stored contents of the storage area. The insurance mode flag being “ON” indicates the insurance mode, and the insurance mode flag being “OFF” indicates the non-insurance mode.

Further, the RAM 43 is provided with a storage area for data showing the number-of-games C. Furthermore, the RAM 43 is provided with a storage area for data indicative of the total sum of fractional values (the accumulative fractional value). The accumulative fractional value will be described later, with reference to FIG. 4.

Moreover, the RAM 43 stores data of the number of credits, the number of coin-ins and coin-outs in one game, and the like. The communication interface 44 serves to communicate with an external device such as a server of the casino, via the communication line 101.

Moreover, the mother board 40 is connected with a later-described body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a door PCB 80 through respective USBs. Further, the mother board 40 is connected with a power supply unit 45. When power is supplied from the power supply unit 45 to the mother board 40, the main CPU 41 of the mother board 40 is activated concurrently with supply of power to the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus to activate the CPU 51.

The body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80 are connected with an equipment and a device that generate an input signal to be inputted into the main CPU 41 and an equipment and a device operations of which are controlled by a control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 executes the game program and the game system program stored in the RAM 43 based on the input signal inputted into the main CPU 41, and thereby executes the predetermined arithmetic processing, stores the result thereof into the RAM 43, or transmits a control signal to each equipment and device as processing for controlling each equipment and device.

The body PCB 60 is connected with a lamp 30, a sub CPU 61, a hopper 66, a coin detecting portion 67, a graphic board 68, a speaker 29, a touch panel 69, a bill validator 22, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a key switch 38S and a data display 37. The lamp 30 is lighted in a predetermined pattern based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU 41.

The sub CPU 61 serves to control rotation and stop of the reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R). A motor driving circuit 62 having an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) 63 and a driver 64 are connected to the sub CPU 61. The FPGA 63 is an electronic circuit such as a programmable LSI, and functions as a control circuit of a stepping motor 70. The driver 64 functions as an amplification circuit of a pulse to be inputted into the stepping motors 70. The stepping motors 70 (70L, 70C, 70R) for rotating the respective reels 14 are connected to the motor driving circuit 62. The stepping motor 70 is a one-two phase excitation stepping motor.

In the present invention, the excitation method of the stepping motor is not particularly limited, and for example, a two phase excitation method, one phase excitation method or the like may be adopted. Further, a DC motor may be adopted in place of the stepping motor. In the case of adopting the DC motor, a deviation counter, a D/A converter, and a servo amplifier are sequentially connected to the sub CPU 61, and the DC motor is connected to the servo amplifier. Further, a rotational position of the DC motor is detected by a rotary encoder, and a current rotational position of the DC motor is supplied as data from the rotary encoder to the deviation counter.

Further, an index detecting circuit 65 and a position-change detecting circuit 71 are connected to the sub CPU 61. The index detecting circuit 65 detects the position (later-described index) of the reels 14 during rotation, and is further capable of detecting a loss of synchronism of the reels 14. It should be noted that the control of rotation and stoppage of reels 14 will be described later in detail using the figures.

The position-change detecting circuit 71 detects the change of the stop positions of the reel 14, after the stop of the rotation of the reels 14. For example, the position-change detecting circuit 71 detects the change of the stop positions of the reels 14, in a case such that a player forcibly changes the stop positions of reels 14 to create a combination of symbols in a winning state, even though the actual combination of symbols is not in the winning state, or in some other cases. The position-change detecting circuit 71 is configured, for example, to detect fins (not shown) mounted to the inner sides of the reels 14 at predetermined intervals so as to detect the change of the stop positions of the reels 14.

The hopper 66 is installed inside the cabinet 11, and pays out a predetermined number of coins based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41, from the coin payout exit 19 to the coin tray 18. The hopper 66 corresponds to a payout device according to the present invention. The coin detecting portion 67 is provided inside the coin payout exit 19, and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 in the case of detecting payout of the predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit 19.

The graphic board 68 controls image display to the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The number of credits stored in the RAM 43 is displayed to the number-of-credits display portion 31 of the lower image display panel 16. Further, the number of payouts of coins is displayed to the number-of-payouts display portion 32 of the lower image display panel 16.

The graphic board 68 comprises a VDP (Video Display Processor) for generating image data based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41, a video RAM for temporarily storing image data generated by the VDP, and the like. It is to be noted that image data used in generation of the image data by the VDP is included in the game program read from the memory card 53 and stored into the RAM 43.

The bill validator 22 not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 11. Upon acceptance of the regular bill, the bill validator 22 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 based on a face amount of the bill. The main CPU 41 stores in the RAM 43 the number of credits corresponding to the face amount of the bill transmitted with the input signal.

The ticket printer 35, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41, prints on a ticket a barcode formed by encoding data such as the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, a date, and an identification number of the slot machine 10, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 39 with a barcode. The card reader 36 reads data from the smart card and transmits the read data to the main CPU 41, and writes data onto the smart card based on the control signal from the main CPU 41. The key switch 38S is provided on the key pad 38, and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU 41 when the key pad 38 is operated by the player. The data display 37 displays data read by the card reader 36 and data inputted by the player via the key pad 38 based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41.

The door PCB 80 is connected with a control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C, and a cold cathode tube 81. The control panel 20 is provided with a spin switch 23S corresponding to the spin button 23, a change switch 24S corresponding to the change button 24, a CASHOUT switch 25S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 25, a 1-BET switch 26S corresponding to the 1-BET button 26, and the maximum BET switch 27S corresponding to the maximum BET button 27. The respective switches 23S to 27S output input signals to the main CPU 41 when each of the buttons 23 to 27 corresponding thereto is operated by the player.

The coin counter 21C is provided inside the coin receiving slot 21, and discriminates a regular coin from a false coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 by the player. Coins other than the regular coin are discharged from the coin payout exit 19. Further, the coin counter 21C outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 in detection of the regular coin.

The reverter 21S operates based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41, and distributes a coin recognized by the coin counter 21C as the regular coin into a cash box (not shown) or the hopper 66, which are disposed in the slot machine 10. Namely, when the hopper 66 is filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter 21S. On the other hand, when the hopper 66 is not filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the hopper 66. The cold cathode tube 81 functions as a back light installed on the rear face side of the lower image display panel 16 and the upper image display panel 33, and is lit up based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a payout table in the present embodiment.

In the payout table, “SMILE”, “HEART”, “SUN”, “BAR”, “MOON”, “STAR”, “CROWN”, “JEWEL” and “RIBBON” indicate the types of symbols drawn on the reels 14. It is to be noted that, other than the above-mentioned symbols, a bonus trigger, which is a symbol corresponding to “GIFT BONUS”, and other symbols are also drawn on the reels 14. In the payout table, “ANY BAR” represents the “3BAR”, “2BAR” or “1BAR”, and “ANY” represents an arbitrary symbol.

Combinations shown in the payout table represent winning combinations, and payout rates are defined for the respective combinations. When a single combination is established along any of the pay lines L, the value of BETTING on this pay line L multiplied by the payout rate corresponding to this combination is an amount of a payout for this pay line L.

When a combination of symbols on each of the reels 14 which are rearranged is the combination of “GIFT BONUS” bonus triggers, a predetermined number of coins is paid out as a jackpot. It is to be noted that a numeric value corresponding to “GIFT BONUS” in the payout table indicates an expectation value of the number of coin-outs, and is constant regardless of the number of BETs. Therefore, a setting is made such that the probability for establishing “GIFT BONUS” is high and the number of coin-outs is small in the case of 1 BET whereas the probability for establishing “GIFT BONUS” is low and the number of coin-outs is large in the case of the MAXBET. It should be noted that this probability setting is made by using symbol weighing data.

Further, four types of jackpots “GRAND”, “MAJOR”, “MINOR” and “MINI” are provided in decreasing order of the number of coin-outs. The larger the number of coin-outs, the lower the jackpot occurrence ratio is set, and which jackpot is to be established is determined randomly using a random number. It should be noted that the expectation value of the number of coin-outs according to each jackpot is constant.

When a game is started by pressing of the spin button 23 after pressing of a 1-BET button 26 or a maximum BET button 27, the sequence of symbols drawn on each of the reels 14 is scroll-displayed downwardly in the display windows 15 with rotation of the reels 14, and after the lapse of a predetermined period of time, the sequence of symbols drawn on each of the reels 14 is rearranged in the display windows 15 with the stop of rotation of the reels 14. Further, a variety of winning combinations are previously set based on the respective combinations of symbols, and when the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination stops along any of the winning lines L, an amount of a payout for each of the pay lines is determined on the basis of the corresponding combination and the amounts of the payouts for the respective pay lines are summed up to determine an amount of an expected payout for this game. Then, an amount of a payout calculated on the basis of the amount of the expected payout is added to the credits owned by the player. When the combination of “GIFT BONUS” bonus triggers is established, a predetermined number of coin-outs is added to the credits owned by the player.

Combinations of symbols in italic in the payout table are combinations of which the number of coin-outs to be conducted is equal to or more than 180 when established in a game played with a MAXBET.

In the game played with a MAXBET in the insurance mode, when any one of those combinations of symbols is established, the mode is shifted from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode.

FIG. 4 is a view showing exemplary symbols displayed through display windows.

In the present embodiment, a total of 9 symbols along 3 columns and 3 rows are displayed, through the display windows 15 (15L, 15C, 15R). Further, on the display windows 15, there are defined 3 pay lines L (pay lines L17 a, L17 b and L17 c) along the respective columns. Further, there are defined two pay lines L (17 d and 17 e) obliquely across the display windows. Namely, in the present embodiment, there are defined a total of 5 pay lines.

Hereinafter, there will be described the fractional value according to the present invention.

As an example, there will be described a case where a MAXBET is placed as a BET and symbols illustrated in FIG. 4 are rearranged.

First, when a MAXBET is placed on five of the pay lines L, namely when three coins (three credits) are BET thereon, the coins BET are evenly divided to each of the five pay lines L. Namely, ⅗=0.6 credits is assigned to each of the pay lines L. The pay lines L correspond to BET objects according to the present invention.

When a BET is placed, symbol sequences are rearranged on the display windows 15, along with the rotation and the stoppage of the reels 14. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, “STAR”-“STAR”-“STAR” is established along the pay line L17 b and “JEWEL”-“JEWEL”-“JEWEL” is established along the pay line L17 c. As shown in FIG. 3, the payout rate for “STAR”-“STAR”-“STAR” is 8, and the payout rate for “JEWEL”-“JEWEL”-“JEWEL” is 4.

In this case, the amount of the payout for each pay line L is a value determined by multiplying the value of BETTING on each pay line L by the preliminarily defined payout rate corresponding to the winning combination established along the pay line L.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the amount of the payout for the pay line L17 b is 0.6×8=4.8 credits. Further, the amount of the payout for the pay line L17 c is 0.6×4=2.4 credits.

After the amounts of the payouts for the respective pay lines L are determined, these amounts of the payouts are summed up to determine the amount of the expected payout for this game. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the amount of the expected payout is 4.8+2.4=7.2 credits.

The fractional value according to the present invention is the remainder determined by the division of the amount of the expected payout by the minimum BET unit (the minimum amount of game media which can be BET). In the present embodiment, the minimum BET unit is one credit. Accordingly, the fractional value is the decimal fraction part of the amount of the expected payout. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the fractional value is 0.2 credits. Such fractional values determined as described above are accumulatively added along with the progression of games and are stored as an accumulative fractional value in the RAM 43.

In the present embodiment, the value of BETTING on each pay line L is determined by dividing the total amounts of BETTING in a single game by the number of pay lines L and, therefore, the values of BETTING on the respective pay lines L become equal. However, in the present invention, the method for determining the value of BETTING on each pay line L is not limited to this example. For example, it is possible to provide a configuration which enables a player to divide arbitrarily the total value of BETTING on a single game for the respective pay lines L, through operations.

Here, insurance in the slot machine 10 is described.

As for the insurance, the slot machine 10 has two modes: the insurance mode “RESCUE PAY ON”; and the non-insurance mode “RESCUE PAY OFF”.

The non-insurance mode is set immediately after the power is turned on in the slot machine 10, and the mode is then shifted to the insurance mode when the aforementioned accumulative fractional value reaches 360 credits.

Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to take out insurance by inserting game media. Namely, by inserting game media corresponding one credit, it is possible to shift a mode to the insurance mode from the non-insurance mode.

Further, in the present embodiment, the number of games is counted. The games to be counted are games played with a MAXBET and resulting in fractional values greater than 0.

Further, when the number of counted games reaches 1000 in the insurance mode, coins (360 coins) in number corresponding to 360 credits are paid out (RESCUE PAY), out of the accumulative fractional value.

However, when there is established a combination of which the number of coin-outs is equal to or more than 180, the number of counted games is cleared and, also, the mode is shifted to the insurance mode from the non-insurance mode. At this time, the accumulative fractional value is also cleared (set to 0).

Further, in the case where insurance is taken out by inserting game media, a payout may be conducted, out of credits other than the accumulative fractional value.

Next, the flow [P01] to [P20] of a game played on the slot machine 10 is described by using FIGS. 5 to 15.

FIGS. 5 to 15 are views showing images displayed to the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 provided in the slot machine 10.

In the figures, a numeral 15 (15L, 15C, 15R) denotes a display window. A numeral 31 denotes a number-of-credits display portion. A numeral 32 denotes a number-of-payouts display portion. A payline L denotes a winning line.

[P01]

In the non-insurance mode, as shown in FIG. 5, an image 92 a showing “RESCUE OFF” is displayed to the upper image display panel 33. The image 92 a is an image showing that the current gaming state is the non-insurance mode.

Further, a normal effect image 94 a is displayed to the lower image display panel 16.

Moreover, a button type image 90 a showing “BET FOR RESCUE PAY MORE INFO” is displayed to the lower right portion of the lower image display panel 16. The image 90 a is an image to request an input of a command to output information concerning the insurance mode. The player can input the command to output information concerning the insurance mode by touching a predetermined place of the touch panel 69 (not shown) corresponding to the display area of the button type image 90 a.

Further, at a lower left portion of the lower image display panel 16, there is provided an accumulative-fractional-value display portion 80 which indicates the current accumulative fractional value (insurance value). Further, in the accumulative-fractional-value display portion 80, there is displayed a button-type image 81 indicating “MORE INFO”. The button-type image 81 is an image for requiring the player to input a command for output of information about the accumulative fractional value. When the player touches the predetermined portion of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the button-type image 81, an accumulative-fractional-value information image 82 as shown in [P01′] is displayed. The accumulative-fractional-value information image 82 includes information indicating that, when the accumulative fractional value reaches 360 credits, the mode is shifted to the insurance mode.

[P02]

When the above-mentioned command is inputted, an image 91 showing information concerning the insurance mode is displayed to the lower image display panel 16.

The image 91 includes information concerning the insurance mode as follows:

(I) the number of games to reach for paying out a predetermined number of coins, namely, a specific number (1000);

(II) the number (360) of coin-outs when the number of games reaches the specific number;

(III) clearing the number of games when a game with the MAXBET placed thereon and coin-outs in number equal to or more than 180 is played before the number of games reaches the specific number, namely, a number-of-games clearing condition;

(IV) shifting the mode from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode when the game with the MAXBET placed thereon and coin-outs in number equal to or more than 180 is played before the number of games reaches the specific number, namely, an insurance canceling condition;

(V) A minimum number of credits (1) required, in order to shift the mode to the insurance mode from the non-insurance mode by inserting game media.

Further, the image 91 includes information to make a request for an option as to whether or not to shift the mode from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode, a button type image “YES” 91 a, and a button type image “NO” 91 b.

When a predetermined area of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the button type image “NO” 91 b is touched by the player, an image shown in [P01] is displayed to the lower image display panel 16. On the other hand, when a predetermined area of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the button type image “YES” 91 a is touched by the player, the mode is shifted from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode.

[P03]

When the mode is shifted to the insurance mode, as shown in FIG. 7, an image 92 b showing “RESCUE ON” is displayed to the upper image display panel 33. The image 92 b is an image showing that the current gaming state is the insurance mode.

Further, a normal effect image 94 b is displayed to the lower image display panel 16. While the normal effect image 94 b in the insurance mode differs from a normal effect image 94 a in the non-insurance mode, these are selected randomly by using random numbers, not based on whether the mode is the insurance mode or the non-insurance mode.

Further, a button type image 90 b showing “RESCUE ON MORE INFORMATION” is displayed to the lower right portion of the lower image display panel 16. The button type image 90 b is an image for showing that the current gaming state is the insurance mode and also for inputting a command to output information concerning the insurance mode.

When a predetermined place of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the button type image 90 b is touched by the player, an image shown in [P02] is displayed to the lower image display panel 16.

Further, under the button-type image 90 b, there is displayed an image 85 indicating a value of credits (360 credits) to be paid out when “RESCUE PAY” occurs.

Further, at a lower left portion of the lower image display panel 16, there are displayed an accumulative-fractional-value display portion 80 and a button-type image 81 indicating “MORE INFO”.

[P04]

When a game starts in the insurance mode, a normal effect image 94 c is displayed to the lower image display panel 16, while the button-type image 90 b, the button-type image 81, the accumulative-fractional-value display section 80 and the image 85 are kept displayed to the lower image display panel 16, during the first game in the insurance mode. The accumulative-fractional-value display portion 80 indicates that the current accumulative fractional value is 361.32 credits, while the image 85 indicates that 360 credits will be paid out, when “RESCUE PAY” occurs.

[P05]

During the second game in the insurance mode, a normal effect image 94 d is displayed, while the button-type image 81, the accumulative-fractional-value display portion 80 and the image 85 are kept displayed. The accumulative-fractional-value display portion 80 indicates that the current accumulative fractional value is 362.00 credits. Further, in the insurance mode, the normal effect image 94 is kept displayed, until the number of games which are played with a MAXBET and result in a fractional value greater than 0 reaches 990 (notice set value).

[P06]

When the number of games in the insurance mode reaches 990 (notice set value), to the upper image display panel 33, there are displayed an image 92 b indicating that the current game mode is the insurance mode and an image 96 indicating that the number of remaining games to be counted until the number of counted games reaches the specific number is 10, as shown in FIG. 9.

Further, to the lower image display panel 16, there is also displayed an image 97 indicating that the number of remaining games to be counted until the number of counted games reaches the specific number is 10.

Further, a specific effect image 95 a is displayed to the lower image display panel 16. The specific effect image 95 a is displayed after the number of counted games reaches the notice set value.

[P07]

When the number of games played in the insurance mode becomes 991, the number of games left to be played which is shown by the image 96 displayed to the upper image display panel 33 changes from ten to nine.

Further, to the lower image display panel 16, there is displayed an image 93 indicating that the number of remaining games to be counted is 9 until the number of counted games reaches the specific number. The image 93 includes information indicative of the value of credits (360 credits) to be paid out when the number of counted games reaches the specific number. Thereafter, the number of remaining games is counted down, with the image 93, unless the aforementioned number-of-games clearing condition or an insurance canceling condition is established.

Moreover, a specific effect image 95 b is displayed to the lower image display panel 16.

The specific effect image 95 b is a video picture with its contents continued from the specific effect image 95 a in [P06].

[P08] to [P15]

Subsequently, as the number of games in the insurance mode increases, the number of games left to be played shown by the image 96 displayed to the upper image display panel 33 gradually decreases as shown in FIGS. 10 to 13. Further, in the lower image display panel 16, the number of remaining games shown by image 93 is gradually decreased. Moreover, to the lower image display panel 16, specific effect images 95 c to 95 j are sequentially displayed according to the number of games left to be played.

The specific effect image 95 is a video picture where a character (angel) performs a series of actions (action of appearing and spreading her wings), and specific effect images 95 a to 95 j are made by dividing the specific effect image 95 into a plurality of images along the time axis.

When the number of games in the insurance mode reaches the specific number, 360 coins (credits) are paid out. When the number of games reaches the specific number, then coins are physically paid out from the hopper 66.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, an image 97 a is displayed to the upper image display panel 33, the image 97 a showing that coins are being paid out based on that the number of games in the insurance mode has reached the specific number. Further, a similar image 97 b is also displayed to the lower left side of the lower image display panel 16.

Moreover, to the lower image display panel 16, a specific effect image 95 h with its contents continued from the specific effect images 95 a to 95 j. Furthermore, a specific effect image 95 h′ is displayed in the display windows 15 (15L, 15C, 15R).

[P17]

It should be noted that, when a predetermined winning combination is established in a game with which the number of games has reached the specific number, coins are paid out based on that the number of games has reached the specific number, and thereafter, coins are paid out based on the above-mentioned winning combination.

At this time, while the specific effect image 95 h is continuously displayed to the lower image display panel 16, the specific effect image 95 h′ in the display windows 15 disappears so that the reels 14 becomes visible.

Further, an image 97 c is displayed to the lower left side of the lower image display panel 16, the image 97 c showing that coins are being paid out according to the above-mentioned winning combination.

[P18]

At the end of the game with which the number of games has reached the specific number, the number of games is cleared, and the mode is shifted from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode.

At this time, an image 98 showing “RESCUE OFF” is displayed to the lower image display panel 16. The image 98 is an image showing that the mode has been shifted from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode.

[P19]

In a case where the number of games has not reached 990 (notice set value), when the combination of symbols “BAR”-“BAR”-“BAR” accompanied by coin-outs is established, an image 97 d showing “45 CREDITS” is displayed to the upper image display panel 33 as shown in FIG. 15.

The image 97 d is an image showing the number of coins to be paid out according to the combination of symbols “BAR”-“BAR”-“BAR”.

Further, the image 92 b showing “RESCUE ON” is displayed to the upper image display panel 33. The image 92 b is an image showing that the current gaming state is the insurance mode.

An effect image 94 e corresponding to “BAR”-“BAR”-“BAR” is displayed to the lower image display panel 16.

Moreover, to the lower image display panel 16, the image 93 is displayed which shows the number of games left to be played until the number of games to be counted reaches the specific number, and the image 97 c is displayed which shows the number of coin-outs according to the combination of symbols “BAR”-“BAR”-“BAR”.

[P20]

After the number of games has reached 990 (notice set value), when the combination of symbols “BAR”-“BAR”-“BAR” accompanied by coin-outs is established as in [P19], the image 97 c is displayed to the lower image display panel 16, the image 97 c showing the number of coin-outs according to the combination of symbols “BAR”-“BAR”-“BAR”.

However, an effect image 94 e corresponding to the combination of symbols “BAR”-“BAR”-“BAR-” is not displayed, and the specific effect image 95 c is displayed as in [P08] (see FIG. 10). Other images are also displayed as in [P08].

Next, processing conducted in the slot machine 10 is described.

[Main Processing]

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing main processing performed in the slot machine 10.

First, activation processing is conducted in the slot machine 10 (step S101). The activation processing is specifically described later by using FIG. 23.

It is to be noted that, upon receipt of a detection signal outputted from the coin counter 21C when a coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 is detected by the coin counter 21C after the activation processing, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for adding the amount of inserted coins to the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 as interruption processing.

After the processing of step S101, the non-insurance mode is displayed in the slot machine 10 (step S102). In this processing, the main CPU 41 transmits a drawing command of the non-insurance mode image to the graphic board 68. On the graphic board 68, based on the above-mentioned drawing command, the VDP extracts image data from the RAM 43, expands it into a video RAM, generates image data of one frame, and outputs this image data to the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16. This results in display of an image, for example as shown in [P01] (see FIG. 5), to the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16.

Next, the main CPU 41 sets the number-of-games C to 0, in the storage area for data indicative of the number-of-games C, the storage area provided in the RAM 43, and then, the main CPU 41 starts counting the number of games (step S103).

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the current gaming state is the insurance mode, namely whether or not the insurance mode flag stored in the RAM 43 is “ON” (step S104).

When determining that the current gaming state is not the insurance mode in step S104, the main CPU 41 executes game execution processing A (non-insurance mode) (step S200), and then returns the processing to step S104. The game execution processing A is specifically described later by using FIGS. 18A and 18B.

On the other hand, when determining that the current gaming state is the insurance mode in step S104, the main CPU 41 then determines whether or not the number-of-games C stored in the RAM 43 is less than the notice set value (990 in the present embodiment) (step S105)

When determining that the number-of-games C is less than the notice set value in step S105, the main CPU 41 executes game execution processing B (insurance mode/before reaching the notice set value) (step S300), and then returns the processing to step S104. The game execution processing B is specifically described later by using FIG. 19.

On the other hand, when determining that the number-of-games C is not less than the notice set value in step S105, namely the number-of-games C is equal to or more than the notice set value, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the number-of-games C stored in the RAM 43 is less than a value (999) smaller than the specific number by one (step S106).

When determining that the number-of-games C is less than the value smaller than the specific number by one in step S106, the main CPU 41 executes game execution processing C (insurance mode/after reaching the notice set value) (step S400) since the number-of-games C will not reach the specific number in the next game, and then main CPU 41 returns the processing to step S104. The game execution processing C is specifically described later by using FIG. 20.

When determining that the number-of-games C is the value smaller than the specific number by one in step S106, the main CPU 41 executes game execution processing D (insurance mode/at reaching of specific number) (step S500) since the number-of-games C may reach the specific number in the next game, and then the main CPU 41 returns the processing to step S104. The game execution processing D is specifically described later by using FIGS. 21A and 21B.

The processing for executing the game execution processing A, the game execution processing B, the game execution processing C and the game execution processing D corresponds to the processing for executing unit games according to the present invention.

[Insurance Setting Processing]

Further, in the slot machine 10, insurance setting processing is conducted in a predetermined cycle when the non-insurance mode image is displayed (see [P01] in FIG. 5) as described above. The insurance setting processing corresponds to processing which is executed when the player take out insurance by inserting game media.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the insurance setting processing.

First, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the button type image “RESCUE PAY” 90 a included in the image shown in [P01] displayed to the lower image display panel 16 has been touched, namely, whether or not to have received a detection signal that is outputted from the touch panel 69 when a predetermined place of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the button type image 90 a is touched (step S110) When the main CPU 41 determines that the button type image 90 a has not been touched, the present subroutine is terminated.

On the other hand, when determining that the button type image 90 a has been touched, the main CPU 41 displays an insurance information image (see [P02] in FIG. 6), including the button type image “YES” 91 a and the button type image “NO” 91 b for responding to “RESCUE ON”, to the lower image display panel 16 (step S111).

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the button type image “YES” 91 a has been touched (step S112). When determining that the button type image “YES” 91 a has not been touched in step S112, the main CPU 41 then determines whether or not the button type image “NO” 91 b has been touched (step S113). When the main CPU 41 determines that the image “NO” 91 b has been touched, the present subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 determines that the image “NO” 91 b has not been touched, the processing is returned to step S111.

When it is determined that the button type image “YES” 91 a has been touched in step S112, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for subtracting a predetermined number of credits (1 in the present embodiment) from the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 (step S114). It should be noted that bills or coins that correspond to the number of credits may be inserted in place of subtracting the number of credits.

Next, the main CPU 41 sets the insurance mode flag stored in the RAM 43 to “ON” so as to shift the mode to the insurance mode (step S115).

Subsequently, the main CPU 41 displays the insurance mode images shown in [P03] (see FIG. 7) to the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 (step S116). After the processing of step S116, the present subroutine is terminated.

[Game Execution Processing A (Non-Insurance Mode)]

FIGS. 18A and 18B are flowcharts showing a subroutine of the game execution processing A called and executed in step S200 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 16.

First, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for displaying the non-insurance mode image (see [P01] in FIG. 5) to the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 (step S201).

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a coin has been BET (step S202). In this processing, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the 1-BET switch 26S when the 1-BET button 26 is operated, or an input signal that is outputted from a maximum BET switch 27S when the maximum BET button 27 is operated. When the main CPU 41 determines that the coin has not been BET, the processing is returned to step S202.

On the other hand, when determining that the coin has been BET in step S202, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 according to the number of coins BET (step S203). It is to be noted that, when the number of coins BET is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, the main CPU 41 does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the FM 43, and the processing is returned to step S202. Further, when the number of coins BET exceeds the upper limit of the number of coins that can be BET in one game (three coins in the present embodiment), the main CPU 41 does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, and the processing is proceeded to step S204.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines the value of BETTING for each pay line L (step S204). More specifically, the main CPU 41 determines the value obtained by the division of the number of credits BET in step S202 by the number of pay lines L (5, in the present embodiment), as the value of BETTING for each pay line L.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the spin button 23 has been turned ON (step S204). In this processing, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the spin switch 23S when the spin button 23 is pressed.

When the main CPU 41 determines that the spin button 23 has not been turned on, the processing is returned to step S202.

It is to be noted that, when the spin button 23 is not turned ON (e.g. when the spin button 23 is not turned ON and a command to end the game is inputted), the main CPU 41 cancels a subtraction result in step S203.

In the present embodiment, a case is described where, after a coin is BET (step S202), the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits is conducted (step S203) before it is determined whether or not the spin button 23 has been turned ON (step S205). However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, it may be determined whether or not the spin button 23 has been turned ON (step S205) after a coin is BET (step S202), and when it is determined that the spin button 23 has been turned ON (step S205: YES), the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits may be conducted (step S203).

On the other hand, when determining that the spin button 23 has been turned ON in step S205 in FIG. 18A, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for displaying a normal effect image (e.g. the normal effect image 94 a) (step S206). In the present embodiment, the normal effect image 94 had been displayed before the spin button 23 is turned ON, and another normal effect image 94 is displayed after the spin button 23 is turned ON. It should be noted that, in the present invention, the normal effect image 94 may be displayed after the spin button 23 is turned ON.

Next, the main CPU 41 conducts to-be-stopped symbol determination processing (step S207). In this to-be-stopped symbol determination processing, the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing unit) executes a to-be-stopped symbol determination program stored in the RAM 43 (storage device) so as to determine a code No. in stopping the reels 14. Thereby, a combination of symbols to be rearranged is determined. This processing is specifically described later by using FIGS. 24 and 27. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, a case is described where a combination of symbols to be rearranged is determined so as to determine one winning combination out of a plurality of types of winning combinations. However, in the present invention, for example, a random number may be used first so as to determine one winning combination to be selected randomly from the plurality of types of winning combinations, and thereafter, a combination of symbols to be rearranged may be determined based on the above-mentioned winning combination.

Next, the main CPU 41 conducts reel rotation control processing (step S208). This is the processing for starting rotation of all the reels 14 and then stopping rotation of the reels 14 so that the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination determined in step S207 is rearranged along the payline L. This processing is specifically described later by using of FIGS. 25 to 27. Next, the main CPU 41 displays to the lower image display panel 16 an effect image according to rearranged symbols or a combination thereof (step S209).

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a combination of jackpot triggers has been established (step S220). When it is determined that the combination of jackpot triggers has been established, a single jackpot is selected out of four types of jackpots “GRAND”, “MAJOR”, “MINOR” and “MINI”, and the number of coins set with respect to the selected jackpot is paid out (step S221). In the case of accumulating coins, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for adding a predetermined number of credits to the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. On the other hand, in the case of paying out coins, the main CPU 41 transmits a control signal to the hopper 66 in order to pay out a predetermined number of coins. At that time, the coin detecting portion 67 counts the number of coins paid out from the hopper 66, and when the counted value reaches a designated number, the coin detecting portion 67 transmits a payout completion signal to the main CPU 41. Thereby, the main CPU 41 stops driving of the hopper 66 and ends the coin payout processing. Thereafter, the present subroutine is terminated.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 determines that no jackpot trigger has been established in step S220, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a winning combination has been established along any of the pay lines L (step S222). When the main CPU 41 determines no winning combination has been established along any of the pay lines L, namely when the main CPU 41 determines that no winning has occurred, the present subroutine is terminated.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 determines that a winning combination has been established along any of the pay lines L, the main CPU 41 determines the amount of the payout for each of the pay lines L along which a winning combination has been established (step S223). More specifically, the main CPU 41 determines a value obtained by multiplication of the value of BETTING for each pay line L determined in step S204 by the payout rate defined for each winning combination (see FIG. 3), as the amount of the payout for each of the pay lines L.

Next, the main CPU 41 sums up the amounts of the payouts for the respective pay lines L determined in step S223 to determine the amount of the expected payout for this game (step S224).

Subsequently, the main CPU 41 determines the decimal fraction part of the amount of the expected payout of credits determined in step S224, as a fractional value (step S225).

Then, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for paying out, to the player, coins in amount corresponding to the value obtained by subtraction of the fractional value determined in step S225 from the amount of the expected payout determined in step S224 (step S226).

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the fractional value determined in step S225 is 0 (step S227). When the main CPU 41 determines that the fractional value is 0, then the main CPU 41 ends the present subroutine.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 determines that the fractional value is not 0, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for adding the fractional value determined in step S225 to the accumulative fractional value stored in the RAM 43 (step S228).

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the total sum of fractional values has reached the predetermined value (360 credits, in the present embodiment) (step S229). When the main CPU 41 determines that the total sum of fractional values has reached the predetermined value, the main CPU 41 sets an insurance-mode flag stored in the FAM 43 to “ON” to shift the mode to the insurance mode (step S230).

Next, the main CPU 41 displays insurance-mode images shown in [P03] (see FIG. 7), to the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 (step S231).

When the main CPU 41 determines, in step S229, that the total sum of fractional values has not reached the predetermined value or when the main CPU 41 has conducted the processing in step S231, then the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the current game is a game with a MAXBET (step S232). When the main CPU 41 determines that the current game is not a game with a NAXBET, the present subroutine is terminated.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 determines that the current game is a game with a MAXBET, the main CPU 41 increments the number-of-games C stored in the RAM 43 (C=C+1) (step S233). After conducting the processing in step S233, the main CPU 41 ends the present subroutine.

[Game Execution Processing B (Insurance Mode/Before Reaching of Notice Set Value)]

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the game execution processing B which is called and executed in step S300 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 16.

First, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for displaying the insurance mode image (see [P03 in FIG. 7]) to the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 (step S301)

Subsequently, processing of steps S302 to S308 are conducted, and the processing are similar to the processing of steps S202 to S208 shown in FIG. 18A.

Next, the main CPU 41 displays to the lower image display panel 16 an effect image (see [P04], [P05] in FIG. 8) according to rearranged symbols or a combination thereof (step S308).

Next, the main CPU 41 conducts processing relating to paying out and adding the fractional value (step S320). This processing includes processing such as conducting a payout based on the establishment of a jackpot trigger and a winning combination, calculation of the fractional value, accumulative addition of the fractional value and the like, which will be described later, in more detail, with reference to FIG. 22.

Next, in step S321, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not game media in number equal to or more than the predetermined number (180 or more coins) have been paid out in the processing in step S320. When the main CPU 41 determines that game media in number equal to or more than the predetermined number has been paid out, the main CPU 41 sets the insurance mode flag stored in the RAM 43 to “OFF”, to shift the mode to the non-insurance mode (step S322).

Next, in the storage area of data showing the number-of-games C which is provided in the RAM 43, the main CPU 41 sets the number-of-games C to zero (C=0) so as to clear the number of games (step S323).

Subsequently, the main CPU 41 displays, to the lower image display panel 16, the image 98 (see [P18] in FIG. 14) showing that the mode has been shifted from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode (step S324), and ends the present subroutine.

When the main CPU 41 determines in step S321 that game media in number equal to or more than the predetermined number have not been paid out, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the current game is a game with a MAXBET and the fractional value determined by the processing in step S320 is greater than 0 (step S325). When the main CPU 41 determines that the current game is not a game with a MAXBET or the fractional value is 0, the present subroutine is terminated.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 determines that the current game is a game with a MAXBET and the fractional value is greater than 0, the main CPU 41 increments the number-of-games C stored in the RAM 43 (C=C+1) (step S326). After conducting the processing in step S326, the main. CPU 41 ends the present subroutine.

[Game Execution Processing C (Insurance Mode/After Reaching of Notice Set Value)]

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the game execution processing C which is called and executed in step S400 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 16.

First, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for displaying the insurance mode image to the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 (step S401).

Subsequently, processing of steps S402 to S405 are conducted, and the processing of those steps is similar to the processing of steps S202 to S205 shown in FIG. 18A.

Next, the main CPU 41 displays specific effect images 95 a to 95 i (see [P06] to [P14] in FIGS. 9 to 12) to the lower image display panel 16 (step S406).

As described above, the specific effect image 95 is a video picture of an action of an angel as a character who appears and spreads her wings, and the specific effect images 95 a to 95 j are made by dividing the specific effect image 95 into a plurality of images along the time axis.

Therefore, with increase in number of games, the action of the angel as the character who appears and gradually spreads her wings is displayed by the specific effect image 95.

Subsequently, processing for steps S407 and S408 are performed, and the processing of these steps is similar to the processing of steps S207 and S208 shown in FIG. 18A.

After the processing of step S408, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for continuously displaying the specific effect image 95 even after rotation of the reels 14 has been stopped (step S409).

It is to be noted that, in the processing shown in FIG. 20, when symbols or a combination thereof, accompanied by coin-outs, is established, the main CPU 41 does not display the effect image 94e which is displayed according to the symbols or the combination thereof as shown in [P19] (see FIG. 15). In place of that, the main CPU 41 displays the image 97 c showing the number of coin-outs according to the symbols or the combination thereof while displaying the specific effect image 95 as shown in [P20] (see FIG. 15).

Subsequently, steps S420 to S426 are conducted, and the processing of these steps are similar to the processing of steps S320 to S326 shown in FIG. 19.

[Game Execution Processing D (Insurance Mode/At Reaching of Specific Number)]

FIGS. 21A and 21B is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the game execution processing D which is called and executed in step S500 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 16.

First, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for displaying the insurance mode image to the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 (step S501).

Subsequently, processing of steps S502 to S505 are conducted, and the processing of these steps is similar to the processing of steps S202 to S205 shown in FIG. 18A.

Next, the main CPU 41 displays a specific effect image 95 j (see [P15] in FIG. 13) to the lower image display panel 16 (step S506).

The specific effect image 95 j has contents continued from the specific effect images 95 a to 95 i, and displays an action of the angel as the character having spread her wings.

Subsequently, processing of steps S507 to 5S08 is conducted, and the processing of these steps is similar to the processing of steps S207 to S208 shown in FIG. 18A.

After the processing of step S508, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for continuously displaying the specific effect image 95 j even after rotation of the reels 14 has stopped (step S509).

It is to be noted that in the processing shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, as in FIG. 20, when symbols or a combination thereof, accompanied by coin-outs, is established, the main CPU 41 displays the image 97 c showing the number of coin-outs according to the symbols or the combination thereof while displaying the specific effect image 95 as shown in [P20] (see FIG. 15).

Next, the main CPU 41 conducts processing relating to paying out and adding the fractional value (step S520).

Next, in step S521, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not game media in number equal to or more than the predetermined number (180 or more coins) have been paid out in the processing in step S520. When the main CPU 41 determines that game media in number equal to or more than the predetermined number have been paid out, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S529.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 determines that game media in number equal to or more than the predetermined number have not been paid out, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the current game is a game with a MAXBET and the fractional value determined by the processing in step S520 is greater than 0 (step S522). When the main CPU 41 determines that the current game is a game with a MAXBET or the fractional value is 0, the present subroutine is terminated.

On the other hand, the main CPU 41 determines that the current game is a game with a MAXBET and the fractional value is greater than 0, then the main CPU 41 increments the number-of-games c=999 stored in the RAM 43 (C=C+1) (step 5323).

Next, the main CPU 41 displays an image shown in [P16] to the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 (step S524).

Namely, the image 97 a is displayed to the upper image display panel 33, the image 97 a showing that coins are being paid out based on that the number of games has reached a specific number, and the similar image 97 b is also displayed to the lower left side of the lower image display panel 16.

Moreover, the specific effect image 95 h with contents continued from the specific effect images 95 a to 95 j is displayed to the lower image display panel 16. Furthermore, the specific effect image 95 h′ is displayed in the display windows 15 (15L, 15C, 15R).

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the accumulative fractional value is equal to or more than the predetermined value (360 credits) (step S525). When the main CPU 41 determines that the accumulative fractional value is less than the predetermined value, the main CPU 41 pays out the predetermined value of game media (360 credits), out of game media which have been preliminarily accumulated by the manager of the game facility, while displaying an image shown in [P16] (step S526) At this time, 360 coins are paid out from the hopper 66.

When the main CPU 41 determines in step S525 that the accumulative fractional value is equal to or more than the predetermined value (360 credits), the main CPU 41 pays out the predetermined value of game media (360 credits), out of the accumulative fractional value (step S527). At this time, 360 coins are paid out from the hopper 66.

When the main CPU 41 has conducted the processing in step S526 or step S527, the main CPU 41 stops display of the specific effect image 95 h′ in the display windows 15 while displaying the specific effect image 95 h to the lower image display panel 16 so as to display the specific effect image 95 in such a manner as to make the reels 14 visible (step S528).

Next, the main CPU 41 sets the insurance mode flag stored in the RAM 43 to “OFF” so as to shift the mode to the non-insurance mode (step S529).

Next, in the storage area of data showing the number-of-games C which is provided in the RAM 43, the main CPU 41 sets the number-of-games C to zero (C=0) so as to clear the number of games (step S530)

Subsequently, the main CPU 41 displays, to the lower image display panel 16, the image 98 (see [P18] in FIG. 14) showing that the mode has been shifted from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode (step S542), and ends the present subroutine.

[Processing Relating to Paying Out and Adding Fractional Value]

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the subroutine of the processing relating to paying out and adding the fractional value which is called and conducted in step S320 in FIG. 19, step S420 in FIG. 20 and step S520 in FIG. 21B.

First, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a jackpot trigger has been established (step S61). When the main CPU 41 determines that a jackpot trigger has been established, the main CPU 41 conducts jackpot payout processing (step S62). After conducting the processing in step S62, the main CPU 41 ends the present subroutine.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 determines in step S61 that no jackpot trigger has been established, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a winning combination has been established along any of the pay lines L (step S63). When the main CPU 41 determines that no winning combination has been established along any of the pay lines L, the main CPU 41 ends the present subroutine.

When the main CPU 41 determines that a winning combination has been established along any of the pay lines L, the main CPU 41 determines the amounts of payouts for the respective pay lines L along which the winning combination has been established (step S64).

Next, the main CPU 41 sums the amounts of the payouts for the respective pay lines L determined in step S64 to determine the amount of the expected payout for this game (step S65).

Subsequently, the main CPU 41 determines the decimal fraction part of the amount of the expected payout of credits determined in step S65, as a fractional value (step S66).

Then, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for paying out, to the player, coins of the value determined by subtraction of the fractional value determined in step S66 from the amount of the expected payout determined in step S65 (step S67).

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the fractional value determined in step S66 is 0 (step S68). When the main CPU 41 determines that the fractional value is 0, the main CPU 41 ends the present subroutine.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 determines that the fractional value is not 0, then the main CPU 41 conducts processing for adding the fractional value determined in step S66 to the accumulative fractional value stored in the RAM 43 (step S69).

After conducting the processing in step S69, the main CPU 41 ends the present subroutine.

[Activation Processing]

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a procedure called and executed in step S101 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 16. This activation processing is the processing conducted by the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50. It should be noted that the memory card 53 is inserted into the card slot 53S in the gaming board 50, and the GAL 54 is mounted onto an IC socket 54S.

First, when a power switch is turned on (power is turned on) in the power supply unit 45, the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 are activated (steps S1-1, S2-1). Inactivation of the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50, respective individual processing is executed in parallel. Namely, in the gaming board 50, the CPU 51 reads the auxiliary authentication program stored in the boot ROM 52, and conducts auxiliary authentication according to the read auxiliary authentication program, to previously check and prove that the authentication program is not falsified before loading the program to the mother board 40 (step S2-2). Meanwhile, in the mother board 40, the main CPU 41 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 42, and expands compressed data which is incorporated in the BIOS into the RAM 43 (step S1-2). The main CPU 41 then executes the BIOS expanded into the RAM 43 to diagnose and initialize a variety of peripheral devices (step S1-3).

Since the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 is connected to the main CPU 41 via the PCI bus, the main CPU 41 reads the authentication program stored in the ROM 55, and stores the read authentication program into the RAM 43 (steps S1-4). At this time, according to the standard BIOS function of BIOS, the main CPU 41 takes a checksum by ADDSUM system (normal checking system) and stores the authentication program into the RAM 43, while conducting processing for confirming whether or not the storage is certainly conducted.

Next, after confirming what is connected to the IDE bus, the main CPU 41 accesses, via the IDE bus, the memory card 53 inserted in the card slot 53S, to read a game program or a game system program from the memory card 53. In this case, the main CPU 41 reads data constituting the game program and the game system program by 4 bytes. Subsequently, the main CPU 41 conducts authentication to check and prove that the read game program and game system program have not been falsified, following the authentication program stored in the RAM 43 (step S1-5). When this authentication processing is normally completed, the main CPU 41 writes and stores the game program and the game system program, which have been the authentication targets (which have been authenticated), into the RAM 43 (step S1-6). Next, the main CPU 41 accesses, via the PCI bus, the GAL 54 mounted on the IC socket 54S, reads payout ratio setting data from the GAL 54, and writes and stores the data into the RAM 43 (step S1-7). Subsequently, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for reading country identification information stored in the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus, and writes and stores the read country identification information into the RAM 43 (step S1-8).

After conducting the above-mentioned processing, the main CPU 41 sequentially reads and executes the game program and the game system program, to execute the processing shown in FIG. 16.

[To-Be-Stopped Symbol Determination Processing]

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the to-be-stopped symbol determination processing called and executed in step S207 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 18A. This is the processing conducted such that the main CPU 41 executes the to-be-stopped symbol determination program stored in the RAM 43.

First, the main CPU 41 executes a random number generation program included in the to-be-stopped symbol determination program, to select random numbers respectively corresponding to the three reels 14, out of the numbers falling in the numeric range of 0 to 255 (step S31). In the present embodiment, the case of generating random numbers on the program (the case of using a so-called software random number) is described. However, in the present invention, a random number generator may be provided and random numbers may be extracted from the random number generator (a so-called hardware random number may be used).

Next, the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing unit) determines a code No. (see FIG. 27) of the respective reels 14 based on the selected three random numbers, by referring to symbol weighing data according to the payout ratio setting data outputted from GAL 54 and stored in the RAM 43 (storage device) (step S32). The code Nos. of the respective reels 14 correspond to code Nos. of symbols to be rearranged along the winning line L. It should be noted that later-described reel rotation control processing is conducted based on these code Nos. of the reels.

[Reel Rotation Control Processing]

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the reel rotation control processing called and executed in step S208 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 18A. It is to be noted that this is the processing conducted between the main CPU 41 and the sub CPU 61.

First, the main CPU 41 transmits to the sub CPU 61 a start signal to start rotation of the reels (step S40). Upon receipt of the start signal from the main CPU 41, the sub CPU 61 conducts the reel rotation processing (step S51). In this processing, the sub CPU 61 supplies a pulse to the motor driving circuit 62. The pulse outputted from the sub CPU 61 is amplified by the driver 64, and then supplied to each of the stepping motors 70 (70L, 70C, 70R). This results in rotation of each of the stepping motors 70, along with which each of the reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) is rotated. In the one-two phase excitation stepping motor 70, a step angle is 0.9 degrees and the number of steps per rotation is 400. Therefore, when 400 pulses are supplied to the stepping motor 70, the reel 14 rotates one turn.

In starting rotation of the reels 14, the sub CPU 61 supplies a low frequency pulse to the motor driving circuit 62, and gradually increases the pulse frequency. Along with this, a rotational speed of the reels 14 increases. After a lapse of a predetermined period of time, the pulse frequency is made constant. This results in rotation of the reel 14 at a constant speed.

Here, the rotational operation of the reel 14 is described by using FIGS. 26A to 26D.

FIGS. 26A to 26D are side views for explaining the rotational operation of the reel 14.

As shown in FIG. 26A, a semicircular metal plate 14 a is provided on the side face of the reel 14. The metal plate 14 a is rotated along with the reel 14. Further, 22 symbols are provided on the peripheral face of the reel 14. Three symbols out of the 22 symbols drawn on the peripheral face of the reel 14 become visually identifiable via the display window 15 formed in front of the reel 14. In the figure, heavy-line arrows indicate the rotational direction of the reel 14. Further, an adjacent sensor 65 a is provided on the side face of the reel 14. The adjacent sensor 65 a is for detecting the metal plate 14 a. The adjacent sensor 65 a does not move or rotate along with rotation of the reel 14.

FIG. 26A shows a position (hereinafter also referred to as position A) of the metal plate 14 a at the time point when the adjacent sensor 65 a starts detecting the metal plate 14 a. When the reel 14 rotates with the metal plate 14 a located in the position A, the metal plate 14 a moves to a position shown in FIG. 26B. FIG. 26B shows a position (hereinafter also referred to as position B) of the metal plate 14 a when the adjacent sensor 65 a is detecting the metal plate 14 a. When the reel 14 rotates with the metal plate 14 a located in the position B, the metal plate 14 a moves to a position shown in FIG. 26C. FIG. 26C shows a position (hereinafter also referred to as position C) of the metal plate 14 a at the time point when the adjacent sensor 65 a stops detecting the metal plate 14 a.

When the reel 14 rotates with the metal plate 14 a located in the position C, the metal plate 14 a moves to a position shown in FIG. 26D. FIG. 26D shows a position (hereinafter also referred to as position D) of the metal plate 14 a when the adjacent sensor 65 a is not detecting the metal plate 14 a. When the reel 14 rotates with the metal plate 14 a located in the position D, the metal plate 14 a returns to the position A. As thus described, the position of the metal plate 14 a changes sequentially from the position A, the position B, the position C, the position D, the position A, and so forth, along with rotation of the reel 14.

The adjacent sensor 65 a constitutes the index detecting circuit 65 (see FIG. 2). Assuming that the state where the adjacent sensor 65 a is detecting the metal plate 14 a is referred to as “High” and the state where the adjacent sensor 65 a is not detecting the metal plate 14 a is referred to as “Low”, the index detecting circuit 65 is in the “High” state when the metal plate 14 a is located in the position A→the position B→the position C, and the index detecting circuit 65 is in the “Low” state when the metal plate 14 a is located in the position C→the position D→the position A. It is to be noted that the sub CPU 61 identifies the rotational position of the reel 14 such that a leading edge from “Low” to “High” as index (original point) 1 and a falling edge from “High” to “Low” as index (original point) 2.

After transmitting a start signal to the sub CPU 61 in step S40, the main CPU 41 executes effects in rotation of the reels (step S41). This is the processing for displaying an image to the lower image display panel 16, outputting sound from the speaker 29, and the like, during a period (e.g. 3 seconds) set according to a result of the to-be-stopped symbol determination processing (FIG. 18A, step S207) or the like.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the current time point is the timing for instructing to stop rotation of the reels 14 (step S42).

Here, the timing for instructing to stop rotation of the reels 14 is the timing before the time point of stopping the performance of effects in rotation of the reels only by the minimum time required for stopping rotation of the reels 14. It is to be noted that the minimum time required for stopping rotation of the reels 14 is previously set.

In step S42, when determining that the current time point is not the timing for instructing to stop rotation of the reels 14, the main CPU 41 returns the processing to step S42, and continuously executes the performance of effects in rotation of the reels. On the other hand, when determining that the current time point is the timing for instructing to stop rotation of the reels 14 in step S42, the main CPU 41 transmits code No. stored in the RAM 43 to the sub CPU 61 (step S43). Upon receipt of code No. of the reels from the main CPU 41, the sub CPU 61 converts code No. into the stop position (the number of steps) of each reel from the index, based on the correspondence table of the number of steps stored in ROM (not shown) comprised in CPU 61 and code No. (step S52).

FIG. 27 is a schematic view showing a correspondence table of the number of steps and code No. Each code No. is corresponded to index and the number of steps.

It should be noted that each code No. corresponds to a symbol drawn on the peripheral face of the reel 14. Symbols of code No. “00” to “10” correspond to index 1. Symbols of code No. “11” to “21” correspond to index 2. Further, the numbers of steps in the correspondence table shown in FIG. 27 are the numbers of steps set with index 1 as a reference. For example, when code No. is “08”, a position 145 steps from index 1 is the stop position of the reel. Further, when code No. is “12”, a position 218 steps from index 1 is the stop position of the reel.

Next, the sub CPU 61 executes a reel stoppage processing (step S53). In this processing, the sub CPU 61 detects the leading edge (index 1) from “Low” to “High” of each reel 14 in the index detecting circuit 65, and supplies the index detecting circuit 65 with pulses corresponding to the number of steps into which code No. has been converted in step S52, at the timing of detecting index 1, and thereafter, the supply of the pulse is stopped.

For example, when it is determined that the stop position of the reel is a position 145 steps from index 1 in step S52, the sub CPU 61 supplies the index detecting circuit 65 with 145 pulses at the timing of detecting index 1, and then stops the supply of the pulse. Further, in step S52, when it is determined that the stop position of the reel is a position 218 steps from index 1, the sub CPU 61 supplies the index detecting circuit 65 with 218 pulses at the timing of detecting index 1. As a result, the reels 14 stop with the code numbers as determined in step S32 in FIG. 24, and a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination determined in step S32 in FIG. 24 is rearranged along the winning line L. Meanwhile, the main CPU 41 ends the performance of effects in rotation of the reels. After completing the processing of steps S44 and S53, the present processing is terminated.

It is to be noted that, when index corresponding to code No. transmitted in step S43 differs from index detected by the index detecting circuit 65 in stopping rotation of the reels 14, a loss of synchronism has occurred in the reels 14, and therefore, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for displaying an error message to the lower image display panel 16, or the like, to discontinue the game.

For example, when the index 1 is detected by the index detecting circuit 65 in stopping rotation of the reels 14 although the main CPU 41 conducts the processing for stopping reels 14 at code No. 12 which is corresponding to index 2, the game is discontinued.

As described above, the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes the mother board 40 (a controller) programmed to conduct the processing of (A) determining, when game media in number corresponding to a natural-number multiple of one credit are BET on the plurality of pay lines of which game results are determined independently of each other, a value of BETTING on each of the pay lines based on the amount of game media BET and the number of the pay lines, and the game results of the respective pay lines, determining an amount of a payout for each of the pay lines on the basis of the value of BETTING and the game result thereof, and determining an amount of an expected payout for a single unit game by summing the amounts of the payouts; (B) determining a fractional value obtained by division of the amount of the expected payout for the single unit game determined in the processing (A) by one credits; (C) paying out, to a player, game media in amount determined by subtraction of the fractional value determined in the processing (B) from the amount of the expected payout for the single unit game determined in the processing (A), as a payout for the single unit game; (D) counting the number of the unit games which have been executed; and (E) paying out 360 coins, when the number of unit games counted in the processing (D) reaches 1000.

In the present embodiment, there has been described the case where games to be counted are games played with a MAXBET placed thereon and resulting in the fractional value greater than 0. However, in the present invention, games to be counted are not limited to the case and, for example, games with the fractional value greater than 0 may be counted, regardless of the number of BETs. Also, games with a MAXBET may be counted, regardless of whether or not the fractional value is greater than 0. Also, for example, only games executed in the insurance mode may be counted. Further, all games which have been actually executed may be counted.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the number of counted games reaches 1000, coins are paid out. However, in the present invention, the specific number is not limited to the case. Further, the specific number may be determined at random using random numbers, at each time of shifting the mode to the insurance mode, for example. Also, the specific number may be determined according to the number of credits, for example, in such away as to set the specific number to be smaller as the number of credits paid for shifting the mode to the insurance mode from the non-insurance mode is increased.

Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described the case where, when the number of counted games reaches 1000, coins are paid out from the credits of the value obtained by accumulatively adding the fractional values. However, in the present invention, game media to be paid out when the number of counted games reaches the specific number is not limited to the case. For example, game media may be paid out, out of game media owned by the manager of the game facility, out of credits resulted from accumulatively storing all or partial credits less than the maximum number of BETs which have been BET in games, or out of credits resulted from accumulatively storing a portion of credits paid out on the basis of the establishment of a winning combination. Also, for example, game media may be paid out from game media obtained by combining credits of the value resulted from accumulation of fractional values and game media as exemplified above.

Also, in the present invention, game media of the value corresponding to the full amount of the accumulative fractional value may be paid out, when the number of counted games reaches the specific number.

Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described the case where a return is conducted, when the number of games in which game media in number less than 180 are paid out, out of games with a MAXBET placed thereon and the fractional value greater than 0, reaches 1000. However, in the present invention, the condition to be satisfied for conducting a return is not limited to the case. For example, the condition to be satisfied for conducting a return may be a condition that the number of games in which no predetermined bonuses generate reaches a specific number, the predetermined bonuses including bonus games, free games (games which can be played without consuming game media) and mystery bonuses. Also, the condition to be satisfied for conducting a return may be a condition that the number of games, in which a specific combination (for example, a combination of which payout is equal to or more than 180 coins) is not established, reaches a specific number. In the case of this configuration, when a predetermined bonus generates or a specific combination is established until the number of games reaches the specific number, the mode may be shifted to the non-insurance mode from the insurance mode and also the number of counted games may be cleared (set to 0) or the mode may be shifted to the non-insurance mode from the insurance mode while the number of counted games is maintained.

An exemplary condition to be satisfied for conducting a return is a condition that the total sum of the numbers of game media BET in games reaches a specific number. In this case, only game media which have been BET in the insurance mode may be counted or all the game media which have been BET may be counted.

Further, in the present invention, the slot machine may be configured to be allowed to take out insurance, on condition that the number of games in which a predetermined bonus (for example, bonus game or free game) generate or the number of games in which a specific winning combination (for example, winning combination of which payout is equal to or more than 180 coins) has reached a specific number or on condition that the total sum of the numbers of game media BET in games has reached a specific number.

Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described the case where it is possible to shift the mode to the insurance mode from the non-insurance mode by inserting game media, even when the accumulative fractional value has not reached the predetermined value (360 credits). However, in the present invention, the mode may be shifted to the insurance mode only when the accumulative fractional value has reached the predetermined value.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, there has been described the case where the mode is shifted to the insurance mode when the accumulative fractional value reaches the predetermined value or when game media as an insurance fee are inserted. However, in the present invention, game media may be paid out, when the number of games reaches a specific number or when the total sum of the numbers of game media BET in games reaches a specific number, regardless of whether or not the accumulative fractional value has reached the predetermined value or whether or not game media have been inserted.

Further, in the present embodiment, the slot machine is configured such that coins are paid out from the hopper 66, when a winning combination is established in a game or when the condition required for conducting a return by insurance is satisfied.

In the present invention, when a winning combination is established, credits may be accumulatively added to the credits stored in the RAM and coins and the like may be collectively paid out at the end of games. However, as in the present embodiment, when the condition required for conducting a return by insurance is satisfied, coins, medals, bills and like may be physically paid out at the timing when the condition is satisfied. This configuration can strongly impress, on the player, the fact that a return owing to insurance is being performed.

In the present embodiment, the case has been described where the insurance canceling condition is the same as the number-of-games clearing condition. However, in the present invention, the insurance canceling condition is not necessarily the same as the number-of-games clearing condition.

Examples of the insurance canceling condition may include a combination of bonus triggers being established and the balance of payment of game media reaching a predetermined reference.

The slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment is of a stand alone type and performs accumulative addition of fractional values and counting of the number of games. However, in the present invention, it is not necessarily necessary that the gaming machine is of a standalone type, but a server which is connected to a plurality of gaming machines through a network can perform accumulative addition of fractional values and counting of the numbers of games for the respective gaming machines.

FIG. 28 is a schematic view showing an entire configuration of a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

A game system 100 comprises a plurality of slot machines 10 and a server 200 connected with these slot machines 10 via a predetermined communication line 101. Such a game system 100 may be constructed inside one recreation facility where a variety of games can be played, such as a bar or a casino, or constructed among a plurality of recreation facilities. In the case of constructing the game system inside one recreation facility, the game system 100 may be constructed on each floor or in each section of the recreation facility. The communication line 101 is not particularly limited, and may be either wired or wireless, and an exclusive line, an exchange line or the like can be adopted.

The server 200 controls a plurality of slot machines 10. In the present embodiment, in particular, the server 200 conducts the processing for counting the number of games played in each slot machine 10. Further, the server 200 conducts processing for accumulatively adding the fractional values resulted from games in the respective slot machines 10. The server 200 may have a function as a so-called hall server which is installed in a recreation facility having a plurality of slot machines 10, a server to control a plurality of recreation facilities in block, or the like. It is to be noted that each slot machine 10 is provided with a unique identification number, and the server 200 determines from which slot machine data is transmitted according to the identification number. Also when data is transmitted from the server 200 to the slot machine 10, the server 200 specifies to which slot machine the data will be transmitted, by using the identification number.

As described above, in the case of employing slot machines connected to a network as gaming machines according to the present invention, the server can be configured to perform accumulative addition of the total sums of fractional values generated in the plurality of slot machines.

In the above-mentioned example, the case of using mechanical reels 14 has been described. However, in the present invention, symbols may be displayed to a display device such as a liquid crystal display device in place of the mechanical reels.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view schematically showing a slot machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Except for displaying symbols to a lower image display panel, a slot machine 300 has substantially the same appearance, circuit configuration and the like as those of the slot machine 10, and the flowchart of the slot machine 300 is substantially the same as that of the slot machine 10. Therefore, descriptions of the slot machine 300 are omitted except for a description of symbol display. Further, constituents corresponding to those of the slot machine 10 are provided with the same numerals as in the slot machine 10.

The lower image display panel 16 included in the slot machine 300 is provided with symbol display areas 250 of three columns and three rows, and one symbol is displayed in each symbol display area. In such a configuration, the scroll-display of symbols may be displayed to the lower image display panel 16 in place of the reel rotation control by the sub CPU 61.

In the present embodiment, there has been described the case where the slot machines 10 are employed as gaming machines and BETs are placed on the plurality of pay lines L as BET objects. However, the gaming machines according to the present invention are not limited to slot machines. For example, the gaming machines according to the present invention may be roulette gaming machines. In this case, BET objects may be a plurality of BET methods for betting on the number pockets included in the roulette wheel, such as Straight BETs and Sprit BETs, and payout rates may be defined for the respective BET methods.

In the aforementioned embodiment, there has been described the case where the mode is shifted to the insurance mode from the non-insurance mode when a predetermined condition relating to fractional values is satisfied (when the accumulative fractional value reaches the predetermined value or when the accumulative number of games which have resulted in fractional values reaches the predetermined number). Further, the fractional value, which is related to the condition required for shifting the mode to the insurance mode from the non-insurance mode, is determined on the basis of the amount of the expected payout, namely a value relating to the payout. However, in the present invention, the value related to the condition required for shifting the mode to the insurance mode from the non-insurance mode is not limited to the case.

Hereinafter, there will be described a case where the value related to the condition required for shifting the mode to the insurance mode from the non-insurance mode is determined on the basis of a value relating to BETs. In this case, this value will be referred to as a BET fractional value.

A slot machine which will be described hereinafter is the same as the slot machine according to the aforementioned embodiment, except that a BET fractional value is used in addition to the fractional value described in the aforementioned embodiment as the values relating to the condition required for shifting the mode to the insurance mode from the non-insurance mode and also, a BET can be placed on the respective pay lines L. Namely, the slot machine which will be described hereinafter has substantially the same external appearance, the same circuit configuration and the like as those of the slot machine 10 described in the aforementioned embodiment and also executes substantially the same flowcharts. Accordingly, hereinafter, there will be described only the parts different from those in the aforementioned embodiment, namely only the parts relating to the BET fractional value and the parts relating to the BET methods. Further, the components corresponding to those of the slot machine 10 will be designated by the same reference characters, in the following description.

Hereinafter, there will be described the BET method and the BET fractional value according to another embodiment.

In the slot machine according to the present embodiment, a BET unit (1 BET=1 credit=0.5 dollar, in the present embodiment) is preliminarily defined for each pay line L. A MAXBET is 3 BETs. A player can input an arbitrary number of BETs, out of 1 BET, 2 BETs and 3 BETs, for each pay line L.

When credits are BET on a single or a plurality of pay lines L, the decimal fraction part of the total value of BETTING for a single game is a BET fractional value. For example, when 50 cents (0.5 dollar), which is one BET unit, is BET on three pay lines L, the total value of BETTING is 1.50 dollar so that 0.50, which is the part thereof not more than 1 dollar, is a BET fractional value. Also, in another example, the BET fractional value is determined as follows. For example, when the player places one BET on each of the five pay lines L, the total value of BETTING is 0.5 dollar×1 BET×5 lines=2.5 dollars. In this case, the decimal fraction part of the BET fractional value is 0.5 dollar, since the total value of BETTING is 2.5 dollars. Further, when the player places 2 BETs on each pay line, the total value of BETs is 0.5 dollars×2 BETs×5 lines =5 dollars. In this case, the BET fractional value is 5.0 dollars−5.0 dollars=0 dollar, thereby resulting in no fractional value. Further, when the player places a MAXBET (3 BETs) on each pay line L, the total value of BETs is 0.5 dollars 3 BETs×5 lines=7.5 dollars. In this case, the BET fractional value is 7.5−7.0=0.5 dollar.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 30 A and 30B, there will be described a case where the mode is shifted to the insurance mode from the non-insurance mode according to another embodiment.

FIGS. 30A and 30B are flowcharts showing the subroutine of game execution processing A (the non-insurance mode) according to another embodiment.

Hereinafter, there will be described only steps S240, S250, S260 and S270, while the other steps will not be described since they are the same as those described in the aforementioned embodiment.

In step S240, the main CPU 41 sums up the respective amounts of BETTING on the respective pay lines L to determine the total amount of BETTING.

Next, in step S250, the main CPU 41 determines the BET fractional value.

As described above, the decimal fraction part of the total value of BETTING for a single game is the BET fractional value. Namely, in the present embodiment, the fractional value which is less than 1 dollar is determined as a BET fractional value, using a currency unit of dollar. As a matter of cause, the aforementioned idea can be applied to other currencies such as Euro, Yen, Won and Rub, and the BET fractional value may be determined through calculation processing by defining the part which is equal to or less than a certain digit place in dollar and the like, as a fractional value. In the case of defining the part equal to or less than 100 dollar as a fractional value and one BET unit is defined as 50 dollars, when 50 dollars are BET on three pay lines, the total amount of BETs is 150 dollars and, therefore, the BET fractional value is 50 dollars. As described above, the main CPU 41 determines the decimal fraction part of the total value of BETTING determined in step S240, as a BET fractional value.

Next, in step S260, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for adding the BET fractional value determined in step S250 to the accumulative fractional value stored in the RAM 43. In the present embodiment, the accumulative fractional value is the sum of accumulatively-added BET fractional values and accumulatively-added fractional values.

In step S270, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the sum of accumulatively-added BET fractional values and accumulatively-added fractional values (the accumulative fractional value) has reached a predetermined value (10 credits, for example). When the main CPU 41 determines that the accumulative fractional value has reached the predetermined value, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S230. On the other hand, when the main CPU 41 determines that the accumulative fractional value has not reached the predetermined value, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S232.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the sum of BET fractional values and fractional values are accumulatively added, as an accumulative fractional value. Further, the accumulative fractional value is related to the condition required for shifting the mode to the insurance mode from the non-insurance mode. However, in the present invention, the condition required for shifting the mode to the insurance mode from the non-insurance mode is not limited to the case. For example, the total sum of BET fractional values may be stored separately from the total sum of fractional values and, when the total sum of BET fractional values reaches a predetermined value, the mode may be shifted to the insurance mode from the non-insurance mode. In the case of employing the aforementioned configuration, a condition relating to fractional values may be employed or not be employed as a condition required for shifting the mode to the insurance mode from the non-insurance mode.

Further, in the present embodiment, the player is allowed to input numbers of BETs for the respective pay lines L. Further, calculation processing is conducted for summing the values of BETTING on a single or a plurality of pay lines L to determine the total value of BETTING, and the value of the part of the total value of BETTING determined by the summing is accumulatively stored as an insurance BET, the part being equal to or less than a specific digit place (the value less than one dollar, in the present embodiment). Further, when the number of games which has been accumulatively incremented reaches the specific number, game media corresponding to the predetermined value, out of the accumulatively-stored value as an insurance BET. Namely, the BET fractional value is treated as an insurance BET.

Further, processing for shifting the mode to the insurance mode from the non-insurance mode may be conducted, every time the BET fractional value is generated. In the case of treating the BET fractional value as an insurance BET, since the player can not take out insurance consciously, the insurance mode may be set on a full-time basis.

Further, the calculation processing for the BET fractional value can be properly changed as required, for example, such that, in a case where a constant value of BETs is placed on some lines, as another aspect of BETs, the constant value may be divided by the number of pay lines BET thereon, and the part of the resultant quotient which is less than one credit may be treated as a BET fractional value. The gaming machine according to the present invention can properly adopt a configuration that, for example, a part of the total sum of BETs placed by the player is subjected to some sort of calculation processing for calculating a BET fractional value and a part of a resulting BET fractional value is accumulatively stored as an insurance BET. Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention can properly adopt a configuration that, for example, game media are paid out based on the value of the accumulatively-stored insurance BET on condition that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the predetermined condition being that, for example, the accumulative number of games reach a predetermined number.

Although the embodiments of the present invention were described above, they were just illustrations of specific examples, and hence do not particularly restrict the present invention. A specific configuration of each step and the like is appropriately changeable in terms of design. Further, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are just recitations of the most suitable effects generated from the present invention. The effects of the present invention are thus not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

Further, the foregoing detailed descriptions centered the characteristic parts of the present invention in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments in the foregoing specific descriptions but applicable to other embodiments with a variety of application ranges. Further, terms and phrases in the present specification were used not for restricting interpretation of the present invention but for precisely describing the present invention. It is considered easy for the skilled in the art to conceive other configurations, systems, methods and the like included in the concept of the present invention from the concept of the invention described in the specification. Therefore, it should be considered that recitations of the claims include uniform configurations in a range not departing from the range of technical principles of the present invention. Moreover, an object of the abstract is to enable a patent office, a general public institution, an engineer belonging to the technical field who is unfamiliar with patent, technical jargon or legal jargon, and the like, to smoothly determine technical contents and an essence of the present application with simple investigation. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to restrict the scope of the invention which should be evaluated by recitations of the claims. Furthermore, for thorough understanding of an object of the present invention and an effect specific to the present invention, it is desired to make interpretation in full consideration of documents already disclosed and the like.

The foregoing detailed descriptions include processing executed on a computer or a computer network. Explanations and expressions above are described with the aim of being most efficiently understood by the skilled person in the art. In the specification, each step for use in deriving one result should be understood as the self-consistent processing. Further, in each step, transmission/reception, recording or the like of an electrical or magnetic signal is performed. While such a signal is expressed by using a bit, a value, a symbol, a letter, a term, a number or the like in processing of each step, it should be noted that those are used simply for the sake of convenience in description. While there are cases where processing in each step may be described using an expression in common with that of action of a human, processing described in the specification is essentially executed by a variety of devices. Further, another configuration requested for performing each step becomes apparent from the above descriptions. 

1. A gaming machine comprising: a controller programmed to conduct processing of; (A) determining, when game media in number corresponding to a natural-number multiple of a predetermined minimum BET unit are BET on a plurality of BET objects of which game results are determined independently of each other, a value of BETTING on each of said BET objects based on the amount of game media BET and the number of said BET objects, and said game results of said respective BET objects, determining an amount of a payout for each of the BET objects on the basis of said value of BETTING and said game result thereof, and determining an amount of an expected payout for a single unit game by summing up the amounts of the payouts; (B) determining a fractional value obtained by division of the amount of the expected payout for the single unit game determined in said processing (A) by said minimum BET unit; (C) paying out, to a player, game media in amount determined by subtraction of the fractional value determined in said processing (B) from the amount of the expected payout for the single unit game determined in said processing (A), as an award for the single unit game; (D) counting the number of said unit games which have been executed; and (E) paying out a predetermined amount of game media, when the number of unit games counted in said processing (D) reaches a specific number.
 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said controller is further programmed to conduct the processing of; (F) accumulatively adding the fractional value determined in said processing (B); and (G) shifting a mode to an insurance mode from a non-insurance mode, on condition that the fractional value determined by the accumulative addition in said processing (F) reaches a predetermined value, and said processing (E) is processing for paying out game media in amount corresponding to the predetermined amount, out of the fractional value determined by the accumulative addition in said processing (F), when the number of unit games counted in said processing (D) reaches the specific number and a current game is played in said insurance mode.
 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said processing (D) is processing for counting the number of unit games in which game media in number corresponding to a maximum number of BETs are BET.
 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said processing (D) is processing for counting the number of unit games which results in fractional values greater than 0, the fractional values having been determined in said processing (B).
 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a payout device capable of physically paying out game media, wherein said processing (E) is processing for paying out the predetermined amount of game media from said payout device, when the number of unit games counted in said processing (D) reaches the specific number.
 6. A gaming machine comprising: a controller programmed to conduct the processing of; (A) determining, when game media in number corresponding to a natural-number multiple of a predetermined minimum BET unit are BET on a plurality of BET objects of which game results are determined independently of each other, a value of BETTING on each of said BET objects based on the amount of game media BET and the number of said BET objects, and said game results of said respective BET objects, determining an amount of a payout for each of the BET objects on the basis of said value of BETTING and said game result thereof, and determining an amount of an expected payout for a single unit game by summing up the amounts of the payouts; (B) determining a fractional value obtained by division of the amount of the expected payout for the single unit game determined in said processing (A) by said minimum BET unit; (C) paying out, to a player, game media in amount determined by subtraction of the fractional value determined in said processing (B) from the amount of the expected payout for the single unit game determined in said processing (A), as an award for the single unit game; (D) counting the number of game media BET in said unit game; and (E) paying out a predetermined amount of game media, when the number of game media counted in said processing (D) reaches a specific amount.
 7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein said controller is further programmed to conduct the processing of; (F) accumulatively adding the fractional value determined in said processing (B); and (G) shifting a mode to an insurance mode from a non-insurance mode, on condition that the fractional value determined by the accumulative addition in said processing (F) reaches a predetermined value, and said processing (E) is processing for paying out game media in amount corresponding to the predetermined amount, out of the fractional value determined by the accumulative addition in said processing (F), when the number of game media counted in said processing (D) reaches a specific number and a current game is played in said insurance mode.
 8. The gaming machine according to claim 6, further comprising a payout device capable of physically paying out game media, wherein said processing (E) is processing for paying out the predetermined amount of game media from said payout device, when the number of game media counted in said processing (D) reaches the specific number.
 9. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein said controller is further programmed to conduct the processing for shifting the mode to the insurance mode from the non-insurance mode, on condition that game media are inserted.
 10. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a symbol display device capable of rearranging a plurality of symbols, wherein said controller is further programmed to conduct the processing for executing said unit games in which said plurality of symbols are rearranged by said symbol display device after game media in number equal to or less than said predetermined maximum number of BETs are BET and then, game media in number corresponding to rearranged symbols or a combinations thereof are paid out.
 11. A game control method comprising the steps of: (A) determining, when game media in number corresponding to a natural-number multiple of a predetermined minimum BET unit are BET on a plurality of BET objects of which game results are determined independently of each other, a value of BETTING on each of said BET objects based on the amount of game media BET and the number of said BET objects, and said game results of said respective BET objects, determining an amount of a payout for each of the BET objects on the basis of said value of BETTING and said game result thereof, and determining an amount of an expected payout for a single unit game by summing up the amounts of the payouts; (B) determining a fractional value obtained by division of the amount of the expected payout for the single unit game determined in said step (A) by said minimum BET unit; (C) paying out, to a player, game media in amount determined by subtraction of the fractional value determined in said step (B) from the amount of the expected payout for the single unit game determined in said step (A), as an award for the single unit game; (D) counting the number of said unit games which have been executed; and (E) paying out a predetermined amount of game media, when the number of unit games counted in said step (D) reaches a specific number.
 12. A gaming machine comprising: a controller programmed to conduct the processing of; (A) determining, when game media are BET on a plurality of BET objects of which game results are determined independently of each other, a value of BETTING on each of said BET objects; (B) determining a total value of BETTING on a single unit game by summing up said values of BETTING on the respective BET objects; (C) determining a part of said total value of BETTING determined in said processing (B) as a BET fractional value, the part being equal to or less than a predetermined digit place of said total value of BETTING; (D) accumulatively adding said BET fractional value determined in said processing (C); (E) counting the number of said unit games which have been executed; and (F) paying out game media in amount corresponding to a predetermined amount, out of the BET fractional value determined by the accumulative addition in said processing (D), when the number of unit games counted in said processing (E) reaches a specific number. 